How Do I Get an Airsoft UKARA Licence?: A Complete Guide for Airsoft Players

To legally purchase a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) in the UK, many airsoft retailers require proof of eligibility called a valid defence, although not the only way to buy black airsoft guns the UKARA registration is by far the most widely used. UKARA (United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association) maintains a database of verified airsoft players, ensuring that RIFs are sold responsibly.

Steps you need to take to get a UKARA membership:

1. Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.

2. Participate in Airsoft Games: Attend at least three airsoft skirmish games at the same UKARA-registered game site over a period exceeding two months (with the third game occurring 56 days or more after the first).

3. Complete the UKARA Application Form: After fulfilling the game attendance requirement, obtain a UKARA application form from your game site. Complete it clearly and provide it to your game site for validation.

4. Provide Identification: Submit proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence) and proof of address (like a utility bill or bank statement) along with your application.

5. Game Site Validation: Your chosen game site will validate your application, confirming your attendance and identity. Once validated, they will forward your details to UKARA for inclusion in their database.

6. Registration Confirmation: After processing, you'll receive a UKARA registration number, which serves as proof of your eligibility to purchase RIFs from registered retailers like bbguns4less.co.uk.

It's important to note that UKARA registration is not a licence but a form of defence under the Violent Crime Reduction Act, allowing legitimate airsoft players to purchase RIFs.

For a video guide on getting your UKARA number, you might find this video helpful:

What is UKARA and Why is it Important?

• UKARA stands for United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association, a database of registered Airsoft Skirmishers in the UK.

• UKARA Registration is a valid defence against purchasing Airsoft Guns, recognized by retailers.

• UKARA helps retailers identify who meets the legal criteria to buy Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs) and keeps the sport safe and above board.

• UKARA is not a licence or membership card, but rather a database of players who meet the legal criteria to buy RIFs.

Understanding Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs)

• A Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF) is a replica of a real firearm that is designed to look like a real gun, and could be any airsoft gun in full black, silver or tan,

• RIFs are subject to the Violent Crime Reduction Act and can only be sold to individuals with a legitimate reason, such as UKARA membership.

• RIFs are not toys and should be handled with care and responsibility.

Eligibility for UKARA Membership

• To be eligible for UKARA membership, you must be at least 18 years old and live in the UK.

• You must provide 2 forms of identification, including 1 photo ID with your date of birth and 1 ID document that proves your home address.

• You must have a legitimate reason for purchasing a RIF, such as participating in Airsoft games.

Becoming a UKARA Member

• To become a UKARA member, you must participate in a minimum of 3 Airsoft games at a single UKARA registered game site within a 2-month period.

• You must print and fill out the UKARA registration form clearly before submitting it at your game site for validation.

• You must provide 2 forms of identification, including a photo ID and a document that proves your home address.

Benefits of UKARA Membership

• Being on the UKARA database enables you to purchase a Realistic Imitation Firearm (RIF).

• You can paint a two-tone airsoft gun to look like a real firearm and become "tacticool"

• You can sell any RIFs you own to another individual with a full UKARA membership.

• Owning an RIF can enhance the competitive airsoft experience and make it feel more like an authentic combat scenario, then playing at an airsoft site with a two tone gun.

UKARA Membership for Under 18s

• Airsoft Players under 18 cannot obtain a UKARA licence or buy airsoft guns.

• UKARA membership is not a licence, but rather a membership to an airsoft game site.

• Airsoft Players under 18 can play at airsoft sites, but they cannot buy or own RIFs.

Approved Retailers and Game Sites

• UKARA registered retailers and game sites are listed on the UKARA website.

• These retailers and game sites have met the necessary criteria to sell RIFs and host Airsoft games.

• You can find a list of approved retailers and game sites on the UKARA website.

• The form should be completed and returned by the Senior game site operator, and not duplicated.

Other forms of valid defence for buying RIF Airsoft guns

if you use any of the defences below you will still need to send an photo ID with your purchase to prove you are over 18 years old also with supporting evidence of your valid defence.

Historical Re-enactment

1. Participation in a historical re-enactment society recognized by relevant organizations like:

   The British Federation of Historical Re-Enactment Societies (BFHS).

   The Military Vehicle Trust membership is the World’s largest group of ex-military vehicle owners and enthusiasts MVT members benefit from a comprehensive package of support and you don’t need to own a vehicle to join; you just have to have a passion for keeping to mechanical veterans alive to join

   The RIF must be used strictly for re-enactment purposes.

Film, TV, or Theatre Productions

• If you're involved in the production of films, TV shows, or theatrical performances, this can qualify as a defence.

• Documentation or contracts proving your role in the production may be required.

CosPlayers

Just-Cos is a membership-based cosplay society offering annual memberships to individuals interested in attending cosplay events. Membership includes coverage under our Public Liability Insurance (PLI). Please note, they are not an insurance provider; instead, this operates similarly to the arrangements used by historical re-enactment groups. Members are covered under PLI in compliance with the requirements of the VCRA. To ensure PLI coverage, a risk assessment must be completed prior to any events. This is a legal obligation rather than an internal policy.

Museum or Collection Display

If the RIF is for a museum exhibit or a private collection, it can be considered a defence.

The purpose should be non-operational (i.e., not for active use in airsoft games).

Non Ukara Airsoft Clubs

Membership with an airsoft site not registered with UKARA but maintaining similar attendance records may also suffice.

British Airsoft Club member.

Airsoft Players Union member

Proof of Non-UK Use

The purchase of RIFs for use in other countries (where it is legal) can serve as a defence, provided you can demonstrate the intent to export the item.

Insurance-Recognized Sports

If participating in other legitimate sports or activities where RIFs are required, providing evidence of such participation can be valid.

Training or Educational Use

Training organizations, such as those providing military, law enforcement, or self-defence training, can purchase RIFs for legitimate use.

Educational institutions may also purchase RIFs for teaching or demonstration purposes.

Civil Servants

also, if you work as a civil servant, for example, as a police officer or in the army, you can buy a RIF. to find out more, read our full article on "what types of civil servants can buy a black airsoft gun"

For more information, see our article, bbguns and the law.